A WOMAN who had a six-month fling with a teenage boy has been spared jail.

Marie Jane Friendship, 38, was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years by a judge at Bristol Crown Court.

Friendship, who lived with her partner of 18 years, told people she was in love with the teenager.

At an earlier hearing, Friendship, of Holford Court, Whitchurch, admitted sexual activity with the teenager. Prosecutor Kenneth Bell said the offence only came to light because Friendship admitted the affair to others.

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He said: "The boy declined to assist the police in any way. There is no statement." Mr Bell added: "The prosecution are unable to know how this has affected him."

Robert Duval, defending, said "Mrs Friendship's life had been wrecked by her actions and now she could not even get employment as a cleaner as a result."

He told the judge: "She has never been in trouble in any way, shape or form in her life before these events.

"It is to her credit that she has been as frank as she has to the sexual relationship that has taken place.

"Had she not done so it is probable, although not certain, that she would not have been prosecuted and this matter would have made no news and she would not have appeared in the dock of a crown court in this country. She was not obliged to do that and she has been courageous for doing that.

"This was a genuine case of infatuation. This was not a case of exploitation and there is no evidence of coercion or sophistication or manipulation."

Mr Duval added: "The effects of this case upon her are irretrievable – they are permanent, they are punitive and they are humiliating and distressing."

Judge Julian Lambert suspended a six-month prison sentence for two years, placed her on supervision for two years and told her to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and observe a six-month curfew from 8pm to 6am.

Friendship was also placed on the sex offenders register for seven years.

The judge said: "The accused should have restrained herself and said no. She has ruined her marriage."